For this feature Friday we continue the hype about the legend from Bosnia and Herzegovina. The same legend that has been providing us with hits since the late 70′s and the one that you have seen live many times where ever he has performed. The same legend that you your parents continue to verse his songs anytime a sjelo happens. Yes, again we are talking about Halid Beslic Concert in Toronto. 

Most of us grew up with Halid Beslic and his music, but some of us may not know that Halid Beslic started his singing career in the Knežina village of the Bosnian town Sokolac. Like most young men growing up in ex-YU, Halid had to serve in the National Yugoslav Army. After his army tenure he moved to Sarajevo – the same city he’s called home for over 30 years. Sarajevo gave Halid a stage to perform as he went on to start performing at local restaurants and bars. Soon the demand grew around the region and over time he went on to become what he is today – a legend in the folk and sevdah music. He went on to record 8 singles between the 1979 and 1982. His first studio album was titled ‘Sijedi Starac” (The Old Man) was was released in 1981.

Through out next few years Halid Beslic went on to gain a lot of buzz and popularity throughout Yugoslavia with his biggest hits being  “Neću, neću dijamante” (I Don’t Want, I Don’t Want Diamonds) and “Budi budi uvijek srećna” (Always, Always Be a Happy Woman), both which were largely welcomed over Yugoslavia. During the 80′s he went on to release 8 more albums with many hits that went on define his illustrious career.

When the 90s came around and the break up of Yugoslavia began, Halid staged more than 500 humanitarian concerts around Europe to raise money for the people suffering in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In total Halid Beslic recorded a staggering 17 albums, which included endless hits that will never be forgotten. 

From his singing and different business achievement’s, Halid Beslic has had great financial success. But most importantly he has continued to bring us joy with his voice and great music that will serve today’s generation and generations to come.

Concert Announcement

We are proud to announce that in partnership with Gremy Concerts and KH Photography, ZA VAS will provide full photography for the Halid Beslic concert. We hope to see you around at tonight’s concert in full spirit with your smiley’s on! Enjoy the mix below and hope it hypes you up for the concert!! See y’all tonight!!

Halid Beslic doesn’t need any introductions. As someone who has been on the ex-YU/Bosnian music scene since the late 70s, he nothing short of a well recognized, respected and adored name when it comes to folk and sevdah music. Born in 1953 and at the age of 59, he continues to be a dominant force in the Bosnian folk and sevdah music genre across the Balkans and the world. Over his 30+ year career, has has recorded more than 15 studio albums and performed in hundreds of concerts.

Wherever he appears, he has been warmly welcomed with open arms. Like fine wine, the desire for his music only continues to get stronger over the years. However, as much as Halid is know for his upbeat music, he is equally known for openly displaying his empathetic side through numerous humanitarian concerts and generous contributions.

This Saturday, May 18th, the Balkan community of Toronto, including other parts of southern-Ontario and northern-United States will have the opportunity to see Halid Beslic at the Sound Academy perform what’s expected to be a sold-out and exciting concert that will feature many hits from his new album, ‘Romanija’ as well as many of his older hits.

The concert will be opened by Toronto’s famous Lemon Bucket Orkestra, who are  a Canadian self-described “Balkan-Klezmer-Gypsy-Punk-Super-Party-Band” formed in 2010. The concert will also feature Croatian folk-pop singer Alka Vuica, who, if you recall, ran for Croatia’s presidency in 2010.

Needless to say, Saturday May 18th will be an event for the ages.

Hoping to see everyone there!

Photo Credit (HalidBeslicToronto)

It took us nearly 50 minutes to get to downtown Toronto in rush-hour traffic, but we were finally able to proudly put on our Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys and join thousands of blue and white faithful parked outside of Air Canada Center ahead of game 3 between Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Needless to say, the energy was electric, the crowd was loud and at times rowdy, but on thing was certain that playoff hockey was back in Toronto – a drought that lasted nearly a decade.

Having attended Leafs games in the past, and most recent being a month ago when the Rangers were in town, Monday’s game was unlike any other Maple Leafs game that I have attended before….especially in the last nine years. Without a doubt, I can say that post season fever has fully taken over Toronto, a city that’s desperate to win something….even if it’s only a playoff game.

This year’s edition of the Maple Leafs surprised many, including myself, who picked the Leafs to barely lock in the eight spot in the conference. The team however exceed expectations of many by locking down the fifth spot in the conference and earning their first playoff appearance since 2004.

The scene in front of Air Canada center was electric as many packed the square to watch Monday’s game on a big screen. It took us nearly 20 minutes to walk half a block through a tight crowd and make our way inside the ACC. Once inside, the building was buzzing, as everyone was excited to receive their “Maple Leafs Playoffs 2013″ scarf that was provided to those attending the game. Even with all the enthusiasm inside and outside, Leafs fans were left dejected after the Leafs fell 5-2 to the Bruins. By the time we made it outside again, the only things left in the once packed square were AV crews tearing down the setup and garbage left behind by the crowd.

But for myself, this game was more than just another game. It was an experience – an experience that every hockey lover should strive to experience. Attending a playoff hockey game is not just another hockey game filled with suits in the lower level, but rather a loud non-stop energetic party that showcases some amazing talent on the ice, but also some of the most loyal hockey fans out there.